There were times when anime could keep quality over more than one episode. Sadly enough, it happens so few and far between these days and Sailor Moon Crystal is not an exception. Of course, talking about quality is somewhat open to debate to begin with. After all, while the episode three weeks ago was a momentary high point, I had also mentioned that it should have been the norm rather than the peak. So, the question is: Did this episode keep up with at least the supposed norm?
Note: After going through 1-2 of my continuously PC hang-ups trying to get my HD file of this episode to work, I had to resort to low resolution and was really too frustrated to enjoy this much. I am afraid, I was also not very attentive. So, if this seems lackluster to you, blame my computer. I do not think I will endure this much longer, really...
Technical Performance
In light of that, I honestly can't judge that part right now. Judging animation quality on a low-res video alone is probably pointless. ^_^ So, I leave that part to those more qualified and not bogged down by a computer dying its slow but persistent death.
Characters and Practical Performance
This episode featured a couple of small changes, all of which I'm not too sure about whether to see positive or not. At the very least all are viable changes that work and whether or not the original was better or not is more a matter of preference. Sailor Moon Crystal has done far worse in the past.
First of is the scene when the Senshi are searching for Chibiusa and Tuxedo Kamen in the temporal storm. Here Usagi does not need to be told about Mamoru wanting to protect their child but says so himself. While this works somewhat better for her character strength, it also derives us of some good lines. But I guess, this one is really more nitpicky. Both work and that's okay.
Next up is the brief return home. I agree with Rebecca that this scene was wasted. Not so much because it didn't belong but because the nice bits about Usagi's resolve to bring back her loved ones, Luna commenting how she grew stronger and Ikuko noticing her daughter growing up were all cut away for somewhat useless small/pep talk. In this form the scene could have just as well been cut out altogether.
The final difference in a way was the final scene. Rebecca already said it nicely in her review. In this part one could clearly see all of Chibiusa's feelings shine through in Black Lady's actions and lines. I think this was handled well-enough, even if there was nothing particularly wrong with the manga dialogue here.
Conclusion
What Sailor Moon Crystal managed was to keep some of the Heart from the last episode alive. The small changes at the very least demonstrate that the creators are now at least trying not to deliver a lifeless adaption in whatever limited way they are capable of doing. Is this too late now? Probably. This episode was okay, definitely a notch above the general adequacy early this season but a bit of a step back still from the relative height of last time.
Rating: 3.75/5
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